TWI832911B - Electrowetting optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

A selective optical shutter can include a first window, a second window, and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window. A filter can be disposed in an optical path of the optical shutter, whereby the filter blocks of one of ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light and passes each of visible light and the other of UV light or IR light. A first liquid and a second liquid can be disposed within the cavity. The first liquid and the second liquid can be substantially immiscible with each other, whereby a liquid interface is formed between the first liquid and the second liquid. The liquid interface can be adjustable by electrowetting to selectively pass visible light or the other of UV light or IR light.

Description

Electrowetting Optical Devices

In accordance with the patent law, this application claims priority rights to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/747,304 filed on October 18, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure relates to optical devices; and, more particularly, to optical devices including a liquid interface that is tunable by electrowetting.

Optical devices based on electrowetting typically include two immiscible liquids disposed within a chamber. Changing the electric field experienced by the liquids can change the wettability of one of the liquids relative to the chamber walls, thereby changing the shape of the meniscus formed between the two liquids.

Disclosed herein are optical devices including tunable liquid interfaces by electrowetting.

This article discloses an optical device, which includes a first window, a second window, and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window. The first liquid and the second liquid may be disposed within the cavity. The first liquid and the second liquid may be substantially immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. The common electrode can be in electrical communication with the first liquid. The drive electrode may be disposed on a side wall of the chamber and insulated from the first liquid and the second liquid. The first liquid can attenuate electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength band. The second liquid can attenuate electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength band that is different from the first wavelength band. Adjusting the voltage difference between the common electrode and the drive electrode may result in (a) a first position of the liquid interface when image radiation is passed through the optical device in a direction from the object side of the optical device toward the image side of the optical device and (b) a second position; in (a) a first position, the optical device blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band each of the second portion of the image radiation, or each of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, and In (b) the second position, the optical device blocks one of a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, and causes Either a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band is passed. Such optical devices can serve as wavelength-selective optical shutters as described herein.

This article discloses a selective optical shutter, which includes a first window, a second window, and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window. The first liquid and the second liquid may be disposed within the cavity. The first liquid and the second liquid may be substantially immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. The liquid interface can be adjusted by electrowetting between (a) a first position in which the optical device passes visible light and blocks ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light, and (b) a second position Each of (IR) light, and in (b) the second position, the optical device passes visible light and one of UV or IR light, and blocks the other of UV or IR light.

This article discloses a selective optical shutter, which includes a first window, a second window, and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window. A filter may be provided on the optical path of the optical shutter, such that the filter blocks one of ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light, and allows each of visible light and the other of UV or IR light to pass through. The first liquid and the second liquid may be disposed within the cavity. The first liquid and the second liquid may be substantially immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. The liquid interface can be adjusted by electrowetting to selectively pass the other one of visible light or UV light or IR light.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments.

Numerical values, including the endpoints of ranges, may be expressed herein as approximations beginning with the terms "about," "approximately," etc. In this case, other embodiments include specific numerical values. Regardless of whether a numerical value is expressed as an approximation, two embodiments are included in the present disclosure: one that is expressed as an approximation and one that is not expressed as an approximation. It will also be understood that the endpoints of each range are significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the term "molar attenuation coefficient" is a measure of the intensity with which a substance attenuates light at a specific wavelength, and is usually expressed in moles per centimeter (L∙mol ^-1 ∙cm ^-1 ) expressed in units. The term "molar extinction coefficient" is used interchangeably with the term "molar attenuation coefficient".

In various embodiments, an optical device includes a first window, a second window, and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window. In some embodiments, the first liquid and the second liquid are disposed within the cavity and the first liquid and the second liquid are substantially immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. In some embodiments, the common electrode is in electrical communication with the first liquid, and the drive electrode is disposed on a sidewall of the chamber and insulated from the first liquid and the second liquid. The first liquid may be attenuating electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength band, and the second liquid may be attenuating electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength band that is different from the first wavelength band. In some embodiments, adjusting the voltage difference between the common electrode and the drive electrode results in a liquid interface at ( Movement of a) the first position and (b) the second position; in (a) the first position, the optical device blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and a first portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. Each of the second portions of the image radiation, or each of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band by, and in (b) the second position, the optical device blocks one of a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band , and passing the other of a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. Such optical devices can be used as wavelength-selective optical shutters as described herein.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an optical device 100. In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes a body 102 and a cavity 104 formed in the body. First liquid 106 and second liquid 108 are disposed within cavity 104 . In some embodiments, first liquid 106 is a polar liquid or conductive liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the second liquid 108 is a non-polar liquid or an insulating liquid. In some embodiments, liquid interface 110 is disposed between the first liquid and the second liquid. For example, the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 are immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface 110 between the first liquid and the second liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 are separated from each other by a membrane disposed at the liquid interface 110 . The first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 may have the same or different refractive indices. For example, first liquid 106 and second liquid 108 have different refractive indexes such that interface 110 forms a lens. The interface 110 with optical power may advantageously be used as a variable focus and/or variable tilt lens (eg, by changing the shape of the interface as described herein). Alternatively, the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 have the same or substantially the same refractive index such that the interface 110 has little or no optical power. Interface 110 with little or no optical power may advantageously function as a shutter as described herein that may be opened or closed without substantially changing the optical path of image radiation through optical device 100 . In some embodiments, the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 have substantially the same density, which may help avoid changes in the shape of the interface 110 due to changing the physical orientation of the optical device 100 (eg, as a result of gravity) .

In some embodiments, cavity 104 includes a first portion (or headspace) 104A and a second portion (or bottom portion) 104B. For example, the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 is defined by a hole in an intermediate layer of the optical device 100 as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 104A of the cavity 104 is defined by a recess in the first outer layer of the optical device 100 and/or is provided outside of a hole in the intermediate layer as described herein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first liquid 106 is disposed in the first portion 104A of the cavity 104 . Additionally or alternatively, a second liquid 108 is disposed in the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 . For example, substantially all or a portion of the second liquid 108 is disposed within the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 . In some embodiments, the perimeter of the interface 110 (eg, the edge of the interface that contacts the sidewall of the cavity) is disposed within the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 .

Interface 110 can be adjusted via electrowetting. For example, a voltage may be applied between the first liquid 106 and the surface of the cavity 104 (eg, an electrode located near the surface of the cavity and insulated from the first liquid as described herein) to increase or decrease the relative motion of the cavity surface relative to the first liquid. The wettability of the liquid changes the shape of the interface 110 . In some embodiments, adjusting the interface 110 changes the shape of the interface, which can change the focal length or focus of the optical device 100 and/or the optical transmittance of the optical device, as described herein. The change in focal length enables the optical device 100 to perform an automatic focusing function. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment interface 110 tilts the interface relative to the optical axis 112 of the optical device 100 (eg, to perform optical image stabilization (OIS) functions and/or beam steering functions). Additionally or alternatively, changes in optical transmission may enable optical device 100 to selectively pass or block image radiation of one or more specific wavelengths (eg, to perform a selective optical shutter function). The adjustment interface 110 may be implemented without physical movement of the optical device 100 relative to the image sensor, fixed lens or lens stack, housing, display, or other components of the imaging device in which the optical device may be incorporated.

In some embodiments, body 102 of optical device 100 includes first window 114 and second window 116 . In some such embodiments, cavity 104 is disposed between first window 114 and second window 116 . In some embodiments, body 102 includes a plurality of layers that cooperatively form the body. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the body 102 includes a first outer layer 118 , a middle layer 120 and a second outer layer 122 . In some such embodiments, intermediate layer 120 includes holes formed therethrough. The first outer layer 118 may be bonded to one side (eg, the object side) of the intermediate layer 120 . For example, first outer layer 118 is bonded to intermediate layer 120 at junction 134A. Joint 134A may be an adhesive bond, a laser bond (eg, laser welding), or another suitable bond capable of retaining first liquid 106 and second liquid 108 within cavity 104 . Additionally or alternatively, the second outer layer 122 may be bonded to the other side of the intermediate layer 120 (eg, the image side). For example, the second outer layer 122 is bonded to the intermediate layer 120 at joints 134B and/or joints 134C, each of which may be configured relative to joints 134A as described herein. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 120 is disposed between first outer layer 118 and second outer layer 122 , the holes in the intermediate layer are covered on opposite sides by the first and second outer layers, and at least a portion of cavity 104 is Definition within the hole. Thus, the portion of the first outer layer 118 covering the cavity 104 serves as the first window 114 , and the portion of the second outer layer 122 covering the cavity serves as the second window 116 .

In some embodiments, cavity 104 includes first portion 104A and second portion 104B. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 is defined by the hole in the intermediate layer 120 , and the first portion 104A of the cavity is disposed between the second portion of the cavity and the first window 114 . In some embodiments, the first outer layer 118 includes a recess, as shown in FIG. 1 , and the first portion 104A of the cavity 104 is disposed within the recess of the first outer layer. Therefore, the first portion 104A of the cavity 104 is disposed outside the hole in the intermediate layer 120 .

In some embodiments, cavity 104 or a portion thereof (eg, cavity second portion 104B) is tapered (as shown in FIG. 1 ) such that the cross-sectional area of the cavity extends along optical axis 112 from the object side to the image. decreases in the side direction. For example, the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 includes a narrow end 105A and a wide end 105B. The terms "narrow" and "wide" are relative terms, meaning that the narrow end is narrower than the wide end. Such a tapered cavity may help maintain alignment of the interface 110 between the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 along the optical axis 112 . In other embodiments, the cavity is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the cavity increases along the optical axis in the direction from the object side to the image side, or the cavity is non-tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the cavity increases along the optical axis. The axis remains substantially constant (eg, as shown and described with reference to Figures 4-8 and 11 ) .

In some embodiments, image radiation enters the optical device 100 through the first window 114 , passes through the first liquid 106 , the interface 110 and/or the second liquid 108 , and exits the optical device through the second window 116 . In some embodiments, first outer layer 118 and/or second outer layer 122 include sufficient transparency to allow imaging radiation to pass therethrough. For example, the first outer layer 118 and/or the second outer layer 122 include polymer, glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic materials. In some embodiments, the outer surface of first outer layer 118 and/or second outer layer 122 is substantially planar. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the first outer layer and/or the second outer layer is curved (eg, concave or convex). Therefore, the optical device includes an integrated fixed lens. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 120 includes metal, polymer, glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic material. Because the image radiation can pass through the holes in the intermediate layer 120, the intermediate layer may or may not be transparent.

Although the body 102 of the optical device 100 is described as including a first outer layer 118, an intermediate layer 120, and a second outer layer 122, other embodiments are included in the present disclosure. For example, in some other embodiments, one or more layers are omitted. For example, the holes in the middle layer may be configured as blind holes that do not extend completely through the middle layer, and the second outer layer may be omitted. Although the first portion 104A of the cavity 104 is described herein as being disposed within a recess in the first outer layer 118 , other embodiments are included in the present disclosure. For example, in some other embodiments, the recess is omitted and the first portion of the cavity is disposed within a hole in the intermediate layer. Therefore, the first part of the cavity is the upper part of the hole, and the second part of the cavity is the lower part of the hole. In some other embodiments, the first portion of the cavity is disposed partially within the hole in the intermediate layer and partially outside the hole.

In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes common electrode 124 in electrical communication with first liquid 106 . Additionally or alternatively, the optical device 100 includes a drive electrode 126 disposed on a side wall of the cavity 104 and insulated from the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 . Common electrode 124 and drive electrode 126 may be supplied with different voltages (eg, a voltage difference may be applied between the common electrode and the drive electrode) to change the shape of interface 110 as described herein.

In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes conductive layer 128 with at least a portion disposed within cavity 104 . For example, conductive layer 128 includes a conductive coating applied to intermediate layer 120 prior to bonding first outer layer 118 and/or second outer layer 122 to the intermediate layer. Conductive layer 128 may include a metallic material, a conductive polymer material, another suitable conductive material, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, conductive layer 128 may include a single layer or a plurality of layers, some or all of which may be conductive. In some embodiments, conductive layer 128 defines common electrode 124 and/or drive electrode 126 . For example, conductive layer 128 may be applied to substantially the entire outer surface of intermediate layer 120 prior to bonding first outer layer 118 and/or second outer layer 122 to the intermediate layer. After the conductive layer 128 is applied to the intermediate layer 120, the conductive layer may be segmented into various conductive elements (eg, common electrode 124 and/or drive electrode 126 as described herein). In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes scribes 130A in conductive layer 128 to isolate common electrode 124 and drive electrode 126 from each other (eg, electrically isolate). In some embodiments, scribe 130A includes gaps in conductive layer 128 . For example, scribe 130A is about 5 μm, about 10 μm, about 15 μm, about 20 μm, about 25 μm, about 30 μm, about 35 μm, about 40 μm, about 45 μm, about 50 μm, or the values listed A gap that defines the width of any range.

In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes an insulating layer 132 disposed within cavity 104 . For example, insulating layer 132 includes an insulating coating applied to intermediate layer 120 prior to bonding first outer layer 118 and/or second outer layer 122 to intermediate layer 120 . In some embodiments, the insulating layer 132 includes an insulating coating applied to the conductive layer 128 and the second window 116 after bonding the second outer layer 122 to the intermediate layer 120 and before bonding the first outer layer 118 to the intermediate layer. Accordingly, insulating layer 132 covers at least a portion of conductive layer 128 within cavity 104 and second window 116 . In some embodiments, insulating layer 132 may be sufficiently transparent to enable image radiation to pass through second window 116 as described herein. Insulating layer 132 may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), parylene, another suitable polymeric or non-polymeric insulating material, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, insulating layer 132 includes a hydrophobic material. Additionally or alternatively, insulating layer 132 may include a single layer or a plurality of layers, some or all of which may be insulating. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 132 covers at least a portion of the drive electrode 126 (eg, the portion of the drive electrode disposed within the cavity 104 ) to insulate the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 from the drive electrodes. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the common electrode 124 disposed within the cavity 104 is not covered by the insulating layer 132 . Accordingly, common electrode 124 may be in electrical communication with first liquid 106 as described herein. In some embodiments, insulating layer 132 includes a hydrophobic surface layer of second portion 104B of cavity 104 . Such a hydrophobic surface layer may help retain the second liquid 108 within the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 (eg, by attraction between the non-polar second liquid and the hydrophobic material), and/or enable the perimeter of the interface 110 to Move along the hydrophobic surface layer (eg, by electrowetting) to change the shape of the interface, as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the optical device 100 as viewed from the first outer layer 118 , while FIG . 3 is a schematic rear view of the optical device as viewed from the second outer layer 122 . For clarity, in Figures 2 and 3 , with some exceptions, joints are generally shown in dashed lines, scribes are shown in thick lines, and other features are shown in lighter lines.

In some embodiments, the common electrode 124 is defined between the scribe 130A and the joint 134A, and a portion of the common electrode is not covered by the insulating layer 132 so that the common electrode can be in electrical communication with the first liquid 106 as described herein. In some embodiments, joint 134A is configured such that electrical continuity is maintained between portions of conductive layer 128 inside the joint (eg, inside cavity 104 ) and portions of the conductive layer outside the joint. In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes one or more cutouts 136 in first outer layer 118 . For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the optical device 100 includes a first cutout 136A, a second cutout 136B, a third cutout 136C, and a fourth cutout 136D. In some embodiments, cutout 136 includes a portion of optical device 100 from which first outer layer 118 has been removed to expose conductive layer 128 . Accordingly, cutout 136 may enable electrical connection to common electrode 124 and the areas of conductive layer 128 exposed at cutout 136 may serve as contacts to enable optical device 100 to be electrically connected to a controller, driver, or other element of the lens or camera system. One part.

In some embodiments, drive electrode 126 includes a plurality of drive electrode segments. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the driving electrode 126 includes a first driving electrode segment 126A, a second driving electrode segment 126B, a third driving electrode segment 126C, and a fourth driving electrode segment 126D. In some embodiments, the drive electrode segments are substantially evenly distributed around the sidewalls of cavity 104 . For example, each drive electrode segment occupies approximately one quarter, or one quadrant, of the sidewall of the second portion 104B of the cavity 104 . In some embodiments, adjacent drive electrode segments are isolated from each other by dicing. For example, first drive electrode segment 126A and second drive electrode segment 126B are isolated from each other by scribe 130B. Additionally or alternatively, second drive electrode segment 126B and third drive electrode segment 126C are isolated from each other by scribe 130C. Additionally or alternatively, third drive electrode segment 126C and fourth drive electrode segment 126D are isolated from each other by scribe 130D. Additionally or alternatively, fourth drive electrode segment 126D and first drive electrode segment 126A are isolated from each other by scribe 130E. Various scribes 130B-130E may be configured as described herein with reference to scribe 130A. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the scribes between the various electrode segments extend beyond the cavity 104 and onto the backside of the optical device 100 . This configuration ensures that adjacent drive electrode segments are electrically isolated from each other. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration may provide each drive electrode segment with a corresponding contact for electrical connection as described herein.

Although the drive electrode 126 is described herein with reference to FIGS . 1-3 as being divided into four drive electrode segments, other embodiments are included in the present disclosure. In some other embodiments, the drive electrode includes a single electrode (eg, an undivided drive electrode). In some other embodiments, the drive electrodes are divided into two, three, five, six, seven, eight or more drive electrode segments.

In some embodiments, joints 134B and/or joints 134C are configured such that electrical continuity is maintained between portions of the conductive layer 128 within the respective joints and portions of the conductive layer outside the respective joints. In some embodiments, optical device 100 includes one or more cutouts 136 in second outer layer 122 . For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the optical device 100 includes a fifth cutout 136E, a sixth cutout 136F, a seventh cutout 136G, and an eighth cutout 136H. In some embodiments, cutout 136 includes a portion of optical device 100 from which second outer layer 122 is removed to expose conductive layer 128 . Thus, cutout 136 may enable electrical connection to drive electrode 126 and the areas of conductive layer 128 exposed at cutout 136 may serve as contacts to enable optical device 100 to electrically connect to a controller, driver, or lens or camera system. of another part.

Different drive voltages can be supplied to different drive electrode segments to tilt the interface of the optical device (eg, for OIS functionality). Additionally or alternatively, the same drive voltage may be supplied to each drive electrode segment to maintain the interface of the optical device in a generally spherical orientation about the optical axis (eg, for autofocus functionality).

4-6 are schematic cross - sectional views of some embodiments of the optical device 100 with the interface 110 in a first position, a second position, and a third position, respectively. In some embodiments, optical device 100 may function as a selective optical shutter as described herein. The optical device 100 shown in FIGS. 4-6 may be substantially similar to the optical device shown and described with reference to FIGS . 1-3 . For example, the optical device 100 includes a first window 114, a second window 116, and a cavity 104 disposed between the first window and the second window, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 . In some embodiments, first liquid 106 and second liquid 108 are disposed within cavity 104 . The first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 may be substantially immiscible with each other, thereby forming a liquid interface 110 between the first liquid and the second liquid. In some embodiments, the optical device 100 includes a common electrode 124 in electrical communication with the first liquid 106, and a drive electrode 126 disposed on the sidewall of the chamber 104 and insulated from the first liquid and the second liquid 108, although the electrodes and insulators Layer 132 is not shown in Figures 4-6 .

In some embodiments, the first liquid 106 attenuates electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength band. For example, the first wavelength band includes ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a wavelength range of about 10 nm to about 400 nm or about 10 nm to about 390 nm, or in a wavelength range of about 315 nm to about 400 nm or about 315 nm to about 390 nm Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation in the wavelength range of about 280 nm to about 315 nm, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in the wavelength range of about 100 nm to about 280 nm, ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation in the wavelength range of about 390 nm Visible light to about 700 nm or about 400 nm to about 700 nm, violet light in the wavelength range about 380 nm to about 450 nm, or about 390 nm to about 450 nm or about 400 nm to about 450 nm, about 450 nm Blue light to about 495 nm, green light in the range of about 495 nm to about 570 nm, yellow light in the range of about 570 nm to about 590 nm, orange light in the range of about 590 nm to about 620 nm, wavelength Red light in the range of about 620 nm to about 750 nm, infrared (IR) radiation in the wavelength range of about 700 nm to about 1 mm, or about 700 nm to about 2.5 μm, or a subset of IR radiation from about 954 nm to about 1166 nm (e.g., 1060 nm ±10%), or from about 846 nm to about 1034 nm (e.g., 940 nm ±10%), in the wavelength range from about 780 nm to about Near-infrared (NIR) radiation at 3 µm, mid-infrared (MIR) radiation at a wavelength range from about 3 µm to about 50 µm, far-infrared (FIR) radiation at a wavelength range from about 50 µm to about 1 mm, another suitable A wavelength range, its subranges, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first liquid 106 selectively attenuates electromagnetic radiation falling within the first wavelength band without substantially attenuating electromagnetic radiation falling outside the first wavelength band. For example, the first liquid 106 (having sufficient path length) blocks or filters electromagnetic radiation falling within the first wavelength band (e.g., by absorption, reflection, or another attenuation mechanism) while allowing the electromagnetic radiation falling within the first wavelength band to The electromagnetic radiation from outside passes through.

In some embodiments, the second liquid 108 attenuates electromagnetic radiation in the second wavelength band. The second wavelength band may include any of the wavelength ranges described herein with reference to the first wavelength band, and may be different than the first wavelength band. In some embodiments, the second liquid 108 selectively attenuates electromagnetic radiation falling within the second wavelength band without substantially attenuating electromagnetic radiation falling outside the second wavelength band. For example, the second liquid 108 (having sufficient path length) blocks or filters electromagnetic radiation falling within the second wavelength band (e.g., by absorption, reflection, or another attenuation mechanism) while allowing the electromagnetic radiation falling within the second wavelength band to The electromagnetic radiation from outside passes through.

In some embodiments, image radiation generally travels through optical device 100 along optical axis 112 in a direction from the object side to the image side of the optical device. For example, image radiation enters the optical device 100 through the first window 114 , passes through the first liquid 106 , the interface 110 and/or the second liquid 108 , and exits the optical device through the second window 116 . In some embodiments, the transmission of image radiation through the optical device when falling within a particular wavelength band is less than 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, about 5%, about 1% , about 0.1%, about 0.01%, about 0%, or a range defined by any of the listed values, the optical device 100 blocks a portion of the image radiation that falls within that particular wavelength band. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission of image radiation through the optical device is greater than 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 95%, about 100% or any range defined by any of the listed values, the optical device 100 passes a portion of the image radiation that falls within that particular wavelength band. The transmittance of image radiation falling within a particular wavelength band may refer to the average transmittance over the particular wavelength band or to the transmittance of all wavelengths falling within the particular wavelength band.

In some embodiments, first liquid 106 and second liquid 108 selectively attenuate electromagnetic radiation falling within different wavelength bands, as described herein. Such selective attenuation may enable adjustment of the transmission characteristics of optical device 100. For example, the position of interface 110 may be adjusted to change the wavelength band(s) of electromagnetic radiation blocked and passed by optical device 100 as described herein. Such adjustments may enable optical device 100 to function as a wavelength selective optical filter.

In some embodiments, the first liquid 106 includes a first additive (eg, ink or dye) that increases the attenuation of the first liquid at a first wavelength band. For example, the first additive includes a polar or hydrophilic compound that may help improve dissolution of the first additive in the first liquid 106 and/or prevent the first additive from dissolving in the second liquid 108 (e.g., prevent the first additive from migrating into the second liquid 108 two liquids). Additionally or alternatively, the second liquid 108 includes a second additive (eg, ink or dye) that increases the attenuation of the second liquid at the second wavelength band. For example, the second additive may include a non-polar or hydrophobic compound that may help improve dissolution of the second additive in the second liquid 108 and/or prevent the second additive from dissolving in the first liquid 106 (e.g., prevent the second additive from migrating into first liquid). In some embodiments, the first additive includes azobenzene (eg, glucoside), anthraquinone (eg, alizarin), xanthene (eg, fluorescein), triphenylmethane (eg, p-nitroaniline), Another suitable additive or combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the second additive includes an anthraquinone (e.g., anthraquinone, anthrone yellow, anthrone orange, isoviolantthrone violet, indanthrone blue red and/or indanthrone blue), boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY), Oil Red O dye, melanin, another suitable additive, or a combination thereof. Although an exemplary first additive is described as polar and an exemplary second additive is described as non-polar, other embodiments are included in the present disclosure. For example, any additive described as being used as a first additive may be used as a second additive, and any additive described as being used as a second additive may be used as the first additive, although some modifications to the corresponding additive may be beneficial Dissolve in the corresponding liquid.

The attenuation of the first liquid 106 and the second liquid 108 may depend on the path length of the image radiation through the respective liquids. For example, Beer’s law can be used to estimate the attenuation of the image radiation or a portion thereof by the corresponding liquid, which can be expressed by equation (1): A=Ɛbc                                                                                       where A is the absorbance of the corresponding liquid, Ɛ is the molar attenuation coefficient of the attenuating additive in the corresponding liquid, b is the path length through the corresponding liquid, and c is the concentration of the attenuating additive in the corresponding liquid. The transmittance of the image radiation, or a portion thereof, in the corresponding liquid can be estimated from the absorbance using equation (2); A=-logT=log(1/T) (2) where A is the absorbance of the corresponding liquid and T is the transmittance of the corresponding liquid. Absorbance and/or transmittance values may be reported at specific wavelengths and/or specific wavelength bands.

In some embodiments, the attenuation and/or transmission of the optical device 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the path length of the image radiation through the first liquid 106 and/or the second liquid 108 . The path length through the first liquid 106 or the second liquid 108 may be described as the linear distance through the respective liquid along the optical axis 112 of the optical device 100 . For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an optical device 100 with an interface 110 in a first position, wherein image radiation enters the optical device 100 through a first window 114 , passes through the first liquid 106 , the interface and the second liquid 108 , and passes through The second window 116 exits the optical device. With the interface 110 in the first position, each of the first path length 146 through the first liquid 106 and the second path length 148 through the second liquid 108 are long enough that the optical device 100 Each of a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band are blocked. With interface 110 in the first position, first path length 146 and second path length 148 may be equal or substantially equal (as shown in FIG. 4 ) or may be unequal. Additionally or alternatively, with the interface 110 in the first position, the interface may be flat or substantially flat (as shown in Figure 4 ) or bendable (eg, in a concave or convex direction).

Although the interface 110 is described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first position, the first path length 146 and the second path length 148 are long enough such that the optical device 100 blocks a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and a second wavelength band. For each of the second portions of the image radiation, other embodiments are still included in the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, with the interface 110 in the first position, each of the first path length 146 through the first liquid 106 and the second path length 148 through the second liquid 108 Short enough that the optical device 100 passes each of a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band. Thus, with the interface 110 in the first position, the optical device may be on with respect to both the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, or off with respect to both the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band.

Figure 5 shows the optical device 100 with the interface 110 in a second position, wherein image radiation enters the optical device 100 through the first window 114, passes through the first liquid 106, the interface and the second liquid 108, and passes through the second Window 116 exits the optical device. With the interface 110 in the second position, the first path length 146 through the first liquid 106 is long enough that the optical device 100 blocks a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and passes through the second The second path length 148 of the liquid 108 is short enough that the optical device passes a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band.

In some embodiments, by reducing the voltage difference between common electrode 124 and drive electrode 126, interface 110 moves from the first position shown in Figure 4 to the second position shown in Figure 5 , which can reduce the cavity size. Wettability of the sidewalls of 104 relative to the first liquid 106 . Such movement of the interface 110 may reduce the second path length 148 sufficiently to allow the optical device 100 to pass a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band, and/or increase the first path length 146 sufficiently to allow the optical device 100 to pass a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band. The device blocks a first portion of image radiation in a first wavelength band.

Figure 6 shows the optical device 100 with the interface 110 in a third position, wherein image radiation enters the optical device 100 through the first window 114, passes through the first liquid 106, the interface and the second liquid 108, and through the second Window 116 exits the optical device. With the interface 110 in the third position, the first path length 146 through the first liquid 106 is short enough that the optical device 100 passes a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and passes through the second The second path length 148 of the liquid 108 is long enough such that the optical device blocks a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band.

In some embodiments, by increasing the voltage difference between the common electrode 124 and the drive electrode 126, the interface 110 moves from the first position shown in FIG . 4 to the third position shown in FIG. 6 , which may increase the resistance of the cavity 104. Wettability of the sidewall relative to the first liquid 106 . Such movement of the interface 110 may reduce the first path length 146 sufficiently to allow the optical device 100 to pass a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band, and/or increase the second path length 148 sufficiently to allow the optical device to block A second portion of image radiation within a second wavelength band.

7-8 are schematic cross - sectional views of some embodiments of the optical device 100 with the interface 110 in the second and third positions respectively. In some such embodiments, optical device 100 may function as a selective optical shutter as described herein. In some embodiments, the attenuation and/or transmission of the optical device 100 can be adjusted by removing one of the first liquid 106 or the second liquid 108 from the optical path through the optical device. For example, FIG. 7 shows optical device 100 with interface 110 in a second position, wherein image radiation enters optical device 100 through first window 114 , passes through first liquid 106 , and exits the optical device through second window 116 , without passing through the second liquid 108 or the interface. With the interface 110 in the second position, the first path length 146 through the first liquid 106 is long enough that the optical device 100 blocks a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band, and the image radiation The second liquid 108 is not passed, so that the optical device passes a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band.

In some embodiments, by reducing the voltage difference between common electrode 124 and drive electrode 126, interface 110 moves from the first position shown in Figure 4 to the second position shown in Figure 7 , which can reduce the cavity size. Wettability of the sidewalls of 104 relative to the first liquid 106 . Such movement of interface 110 may move the interface into contact with the interior surface of second window 116 such that first liquid 106 contacts the second window and removes second liquid 108 from the optical path through optical device 100 . For example, the second liquid 108 is pushed to the peripheral region of the cavity 104 such that image radiation passing through the central region of the cavity passes through the optical device 100 without passing through the second liquid, as described herein.

Figure 8 shows the optical device 100 with the interface 110 in a third position, wherein image radiation enters the optical device 100 through the first window 114, passes through the second liquid 108, and exits the optical device through the second window 116 without through the first liquid 106 or interface. With the interface 110 in the third position, the image radiation does not pass through the first liquid 106 so that the optical device 100 passes a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and a third portion of the second liquid 108 . The second path length 148 is long enough for the optical device to block a second portion of the image radiation in the second wavelength band.

In some embodiments, by increasing the voltage difference between the common electrode 124 and the drive electrode 126, the interface 110 moves from the first position shown in FIG . 4 to the third position shown in FIG. 8 , which may increase the resistance of the cavity 104. Wettability of the sidewall relative to the first liquid 106 . Such movement of the interface 110 may move the interface into contact with the interior surface of the first window 114 such that the second liquid 108 contacts the first window and removes the first liquid 106 from the optical path through the optical device 100 . For example, the first liquid 106 is pushed to the peripheral region of the cavity 104 such that image radiation passing through the central region of the cavity passes through the optical device 100 without passing through the first liquid, as described herein.

In some aspects, it may be considered to remove one of the first liquid 106 or the second liquid 108 from the optical path through the optical device, thereby adjusting the path length of the image radiation through the first liquid 106 or the second liquid 108. For example, removing the first liquid 106 from the optical path may be considered to reduce the first path length 146 through the first liquid to zero or substantially zero, while increasing the second path length 148 through the second liquid 108 to equal to or a length substantially equal to the height of cavity 104 . Additionally or alternatively, removing the second liquid 108 from the optical path may be considered to reduce the second path length 148 through the second liquid to zero or substantially zero while reducing the first path length through the first liquid 106 146 increases to a length equal to or substantially equal to the height of cavity 104 .

9-10 are schematic top views of some embodiments of the optical device 100 in closed and on configurations , respectively, relative to a first wavelength band. In the closed configuration shown in Figure 9 , the optical device 100 blocks a first portion of the image radiation in a first wavelength band. For example, in the closed configuration, the interface 100 is in the first position shown in Figure 4 , the second position shown in Figure 5 , or the second position shown in Figure 7 . In the open configuration shown in Figure 10 , the optical device passes a first portion of image radiation in a first wavelength band. For example, in the open configuration, the interface 100 is in the third position shown in FIG. 6 or the third position shown in FIG . 8 . In some embodiments, in the open configuration, the central region 150 of the optical device 100 passes a first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band and the peripheral region 152 of the optical device blocks the image radiation in the first wavelength band. The first part of. Such blocking of the first portion of the image radiation in the first wavelength band in the peripheral region may be caused by the relatively thick body of the first liquid 106 in the peripheral region (e.g., due to Figures 6 and 8 curvature of the interface 110), the body attenuates the image radiation in the peripheral area sufficiently to prevent a first portion of the image radiation from passing in the peripheral area. Thus, in the open configuration, central region 150 may serve as an open aperture of optical device 100, which functions as a selective optical shutter as described herein. The terms "on" and "off" may be used with reference to a particular wavelength band without regard to whether the optical device 100 blocks or passes image radiation outside the particular wavelength band. For example, in a closed configuration, optical device 100 may block or pass image radiation outside the first wavelength band. Similarly, in the open configuration, optical device 100 may block or pass image radiation outside the first wavelength band.

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an optical device 100 including a filter 160 disposed in an optical path of the optical device. In some embodiments, filter 160 includes an IR cut filter. For example, filter 160 blocks (eg, by absorption, reflection, and/or another attenuation mechanism) electromagnetic radiation within the IR spectrum or a portion thereof (eg, wavelengths from about 720 nm to about 1000 nm) from passing optical device 100 . Additionally or alternatively, filter 160 includes a UV filter. For example, filter 160 blocks electromagnetic radiation within the UV spectrum or a portion thereof (eg, wavelengths less than about 450 nm or less than about 350 nm) from passing optical device 100 .

In some embodiments, filter 160 is disposed on or integrated with first window 114 and/or second window 116 . For example, the filter 160 is provided on the outer surface of the first window 114 as shown in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, filter 160 is integrated with first window 114 . For example, first window 114 may be formed from a material that attenuates electromagnetic radiation within a specific wavelength band (eg, blue glass that absorbs IR radiation). In some embodiments, filter 160 is disposed on or integrated with second window 116 as described with reference to first window 114 . In some embodiments, filter 160 includes a plurality of filter segments. The plurality of filter segments may be disposed on or integrated with the first window 114 or the second window 116 . Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the plurality of filter segments may be disposed on or integrated with the first window 114, and a portion of the plurality of filter segments may be disposed on or integrated with the second window 116. 116 integration. Different filter segments may attenuate different portions of a particular wavelength band such that filter 160 attenuates the particular wavelength band as intended.

In some embodiments, filter 160 includes a dielectric stack. For example, a dielectric stack includes alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials with suitable thicknesses to reflect radiation in one or more specific wavelength bands or ranges (eg, IR and/or UV radiation). Additionally or alternatively, filter 160 includes an absorptive material that absorbs radiation within one or more specific wavelength bands or ranges (eg, NIR radiation). Accordingly, filter 160 may function as a band-pass filter that transmits visible light and reflects and/or absorbs one or more of IR, NIR, and/or UV radiation.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of imaging device 200. The imaging device 200 includes an optical system 210 and an image sensor 220 . Optical system 210 may be positioned to focus image radiation 10 on image sensor 220 as shown in FIG. 12 . Imaging device 200 may be configured as a digital camera, a distance finding device, a measurement device, another suitable detection device, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, optical system 210 includes a plurality of lenses. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , the optical system 210 includes a first lens 211 , a second lens 212 , a third lens 213 , a fourth lens 214 , a fifth lens 215 and a third lens in order from the object side to the image side. Six lenses 216. The plurality of lenses may be aligned along the optical axis OA of the optical system 210 .

Although the optical system 210 described herein with reference to FIG. 12 includes six lenses, the present disclosure includes other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, optical system 210 includes one, two, three, four, five, seven, or more lenses.

In some embodiments, optical system 210 includes a variable focus lens (eg, in addition to or in place of one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth lenses). one of the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, the fifth lens or the sixth lens). For example, variable focus lenses are liquid lenses or fluid lenses that function based on electrowetting. The focus of a liquid lens or fluid lens can be changed by changing the shape of the interface between different liquids contained within the lens without the need to translate, tilt, or otherwise move optical system 210 relative to image sensor 220. Additionally or alternatively, the variable focus lens is a hydrostatic fluid lens that includes fluid disposed within a flexible membrane. The focus of a hydrostatic fluid lens can be changed by changing the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid, and therefore the curvature of the flexible membrane, without the need to translate, tilt, or otherwise move the optical system relative to the image sensor. In other embodiments, a variable focus lens is another type of lens whose focal length can be changed without the need to translate, tilt, or otherwise move the optical system relative to the image sensor. The variable focus lens may enable the imaging device 200 to perform autofocus and/or OIS functions.

In some embodiments, optical system 210 and image sensor 220 may translate relative to each other. For example, optical system 210 may be mounted on a mechanical actuator (eg, a voice coil motor) to cause translation of the optical system relative to image sensor 220 . Such translation may enable imaging device 200 to perform autofocus and/or OIS functions.

In some embodiments, imaging device 200 includes optical device 100 . For example, optical device 100 functions as a wavelength-selective optical shutter as described herein. Optical device 100 may be disposed at the object end of optical system 210 (as shown in Figure 12 ) or at another location within or near the optical system. Additionally or alternatively, the optical axis 112 of the optical device 100 may be substantially aligned with the optical axis OA of the optical system 210 .

In some embodiments, imaging device 200 functions as a combined visible camera and LiDAR sensor. For example, optical device 100 may enable selective transmission of visible light (eg, for camera functionality) and UV or IR light (eg, for LiDAR functionality) to be directed through optical system 210 to image sensor 220 . Such sensors may be beneficial, for example, in automotive applications.

In some embodiments, imaging device 200 functions as a combined visible camera or display and distance measurement sensor. For example, the optical device 100 may enable the selective transmission of visible light (e.g., for camera or display functions) and UV or IR light (e.g., for distance measurement functions such as by time-of-flight or structured light) to be directed through Optical system 210 to image sensor 220. Such sensors may be beneficial for augmented reality applications, for example. For example, in such applications, it may be beneficial to be able to selectively turn off, operate the shutter, modulate, or block display features (e.g., augmented objects projected onto the scene) while continuously monitoring the depth of objects in the scene.

In various embodiments in which imaging device 200 performs different functions using radiation of different wavelengths, optical device 100 may enable selective transmission of specific wavelengths, thereby allowing general-purpose optical elements (eg, lenses or image sensors) to be ) for different functions. For example, imaging device 200 may alternately pass and block different wavelengths to alternately direct different wavelengths to image sensor 220 . The use of such common optical elements allows the imaging device 200 to have a reduced package size compared to a device having separate components for different functions.

In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the common electrode 124 and the drive electrode 126 is adjusted to cause the liquid to pass as image radiation passes through the optical device 100 in a direction from the object side of the optical device toward the image side of the optical device. The interface 110 moves between (a) a first position in which the optical device blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and (b) a second position. Each of the second portions of the image radiation in the two wavelength bands is such that a first portion of the image radiation falls in the first wavelength band and a second portion of the image radiation falls in the second wavelength band. each of which passes, and in (b) the second position, the optical device blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band and passing the other of a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band.

Although the first position is generally described herein as the position of the interface 120 in which the optical device 100 blocks or passes a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band both of the second part), but the second position and the third position may describe a position in which the optical device blocks a first part of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and excludes image radiation falling within the second wavelength band An interface location where the second portion passes or an interface location where the optical device passes a first portion of image radiation falling within a first wavelength band and blocks a second portion of image radiation falling within a second wavelength band. For example, the first position may be the position shown in FIG. 4 , and the second position may be the position shown in FIG. 5 or the position shown in FIG . 7 . Additionally or alternatively, the first position may be the position shown in FIG. 4 , and the second position may be the position shown in FIG. 6 or the position shown in FIG . 8 .

In some embodiments, in the first position, the first liquid 106 is disposed between the second liquid 108 and the first window 114 , and the second liquid 108 is disposed between the first liquid and the second window 116 , such that FIG. Image radiation passes through each of the first window, the first liquid, the second liquid, and the second window.

In some embodiments, in the second position, the first liquid 106 contacts the second window 116 such that the image radiation passes through each of the first window 114, the first liquid, and the second window without passing through Second liquid 108. Additionally or alternatively, in the second position, the second liquid 108 contacts the first window 114 such that the image radiation passes through each of the first window, the second liquid, and the second window 116 without passing through the first window 114 . A liquid 106.

In some embodiments, in each of the first and second positions, the second liquid 108 is disposed between the first liquid 106 and the second window 116 such that the image radiation passes through the first window 114, Each of the first liquid, the second liquid, and the second window passes through a first path length 146 of the first liquid in the second position that is greater than the first path length 146 of the first liquid in the first position. The second path length 148 of the second liquid in the second position is less than the second path length through the second liquid in the first position. Additionally or alternatively, in the first position, the first liquid 106 passes a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band, and in the second position, the first liquid blocks the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band. Image of the first part of Radiation. Additionally or alternatively, in the first position, the second liquid 108 blocks a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, and in the second position, the second liquid 108 blocks a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. The second part of the image radiates through.

In some embodiments, in each of the first and second positions, first liquid 106 is disposed between second liquid 108 and first window 114 such that the image radiation passes through the first window, first Each of the liquid, the second liquid, and the second window 116 has a first path length 146 through the first liquid in the second position that is less than a first path length through the first liquid in the first position, and a first path length 146 through the first liquid in the first position. The second path length 148 of the second liquid in the second position is greater than the second path length through the second liquid in the first position. Additionally or alternatively, in the first position, the first liquid 106 blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band, and in the second position, the first liquid blocks a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band. The first part of the image radiation passes through. Additionally or alternatively, in the first position, the second liquid 108 passes a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, and in the second position, the second liquid 108 blocks within the second wavelength band Images of Radiation Part Two.

In some embodiments, adjusting the voltage difference between the common electrode 124 and the drive electrode 126 causes the liquid interface 110 to move between (a) a first position, (b) a second position, and (c) a third position, between (a) a first position, (b) a second position, and (c) a third position. c) The optical device 100 in the third position passes one of the first part of the image radiation falling in the first wavelength band or the second part of the image radiation falling in the second wavelength band and blocks the falling The other of a first portion of the image radiation within the first wavelength band or a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. For example, the first position may be the position shown in FIG. 4 , the second position may be the position shown in FIG . 5 or one of the positions shown in FIG . 6 , and the third position may be the position shown in FIG. 5 or The other one in the position shown in Figure 6 . Additionally or alternatively, the first position may be the position shown in FIG . 4 , the second position may be the position shown in FIG . 7 or one of the positions shown in FIG. 8 , and the third position may be the position shown in FIG. 7 position or the other of the positions shown in Figure 8 . Additionally or alternatively, the first position may be the position shown in FIG . 4 , the second position may be one of the position shown in FIG . 5 or the position shown in FIG . 8 , and the third position may be the position shown in FIG. 5 position or the other of the positions shown in Figure 8 . Additionally or alternatively, the first position may be the position shown in FIG . 4 , the second position may be the position shown in FIG . 7 or one of the positions shown in FIG. 6 , and the third position may be the position shown in FIG. 7 position or another of the positions shown in Figure 6 .

In some embodiments, the first liquid 106 includes a first additive that increases the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength band. Additionally or alternatively, the second liquid 108 includes a second additive that increases the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in the second wavelength band.

In some embodiments, there is one of: (a) a first wavelength band extending from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (eg, UV radiation), and a second wavelength band extending from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm (e.g., UV radiation); or (b) a first wavelength band extending from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm (e.g., IR radiation) and a second wavelength band extending from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (e.g., UV radiation).

In some embodiments, when image radiation is caused to pass through the optical device 100 in a direction from an object side of the optical device toward an image side of the optical device in each of the first and second positions, the optical device A third portion of the image radiation falling within a third wavelength band is passed. Additionally or alternatively, the third wavelength band extends from about 390 nm to about 700 nm (eg, visible light).

In some embodiments, there is one of the following: (a) the first wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (e.g., UV radiation) or from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm (e.g., IR radiation) and the second wavelength band extends from about 390 nm to about 700 nm (e.g., visible light); or (b) the first wavelength band extends from about 390 nm to about 700 nm (e.g., visible light) and the second wavelength band extends from about 390 nm to about 700 nm (e.g., visible light) The wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (eg, UV radiation) or from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm (eg, IR radiation). Additionally or alternatively, the optical device 100 includes a filter 160 disposed in the optical path of the optical device, wherein in causing image radiation to pass through the optical device in a direction from the object side of the optical device toward the image side of the optical device, Either of the following: (a) The first wavelength band or the second wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (e.g., UV radiation), and the filter absorbs image radiation falling from about 700 nm or (b) the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band extending from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm (e.g., IR radiation) and filtered The device absorbs that portion of the image radiation that falls within a wavelength band extending from about 10 nm to about 390 nm (eg, UV radiation).

In some embodiments, the selective optical shutter includes a filter 160 disposed in the optical path of the optical shutter such that the filter blocks one of ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light and separates visible light from UV Each of the other one of light or IR light passes, and the liquid interface 110 can be adjusted by electrowetting to selectively pass the other one of visible light or UV light or IR light. Additionally or alternatively, the filter 160 is disposed on or integrated with the first window 114 or the second window 116 . Additionally or alternatively, the liquid interface 110 may be adjusted by electrowetting between (a) a first position, (b) a second position, and (c) a third position; optically in (a) the first position; The shutter blocks each of visible light and the other of UV light or IR light, in (b) the second position the optical shutter passes visible light and blocks the other of UV light or IR light, and in (c) The optical shutter in the third position blocks visible light and passes the other of UV light or IR light. Example

Various embodiments will be further illustrated by the following examples. Example 1

The second attenuation additive is dissolved in the second liquid, and the contact angle of the second liquid with the second attenuation additive dissolved therein is measured on the surface of parylene C in air. The second liquid is an oily material, and the second attenuation additive is Oil Red O dye. Before measuring the contact angle, the second liquid in which the second attenuation additive is dissolved is passed through a 0.2 µm filter.

Figure 13 is a graph showing measured contact angles for a plurality of samples labeled with different step numbers. Curve 302 corresponds to the second liquid without the second attenuation additive. Curve 304 corresponds to the second liquid with 0.2 mg/mL of the second attenuation additive. Curve 306 corresponds to the second liquid with 0.5 mg/mL of the second attenuation additive.

Comparison of curves 302, 304, and 306 demonstrates that adding a second attenuating additive to the second liquid has little or no effect on the interfacial surface energy of the base second liquid material, further illustrating the fundamental electrowetting functionality of optical device 100. is not affected by the presence of the second attenuation additive. Example 2

An optical device was fabricated with the general configuration shown in Figure 1 . The first attenuation additive is dissolved in the first liquid and the second attenuation additive is dissolved in the second liquid. The first liquid is an aqueous polar material and the first attenuation additive is fluorescein. The second liquid is oil and the second attenuation additive is BODIPY.

Figure 14 is a confocal fluorescence image of an optical device in which a first liquid includes a first additive doped therein and a second liquid includes a second additive doped therein. Green represents the first additive doped into the first liquid, and red represents the second additive doped into the second liquid. A yellow color is observed where the first liquid and the second liquid overlap and are present. The first additive and the second additive have different spectral absorbances and different fluorescence spectral characteristics, which are combined to produce the image shown in FIG. 14 . Therefore, different thicknesses of the first liquid and the second liquid block different wavelengths and allow different wavelengths to pass through different areas of the optical device.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, claimed subject matter shall not be limited except in accordance with the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

10:Image radiation 100:Optical device 102:Subject 104: cavity 104A:Part 1 104B:Part 2 105A: Narrow end 105B: wide end 106:First Liquid 108:Second liquid 110:Liquid interface 112:Optical axis 114:First window 116:Second window 118:First outer layer 120:Middle layer 122:Second outer layer 124: Common electrode 126: Driving electrode 126A: First driving electrode segment 126B: Second driving electrode segment 126C: The third driving electrode segment 126D: The fourth driving electrode segment 128: Conductive layer 130A-130E: dicing 132:Insulation layer

134A-134C:joint part

136:Incision

136A: First incision

136B: Second incision

136C: The third incision

136D: The fourth incision

136E:Fifth incision

136F: Sixth incision

136G:Seventh incision

136H: The eighth incision

146: First path length

148: Second path length

160: filter

200: Imaging device

210:Optical system

211:First lens

212:Second lens

213:Third lens

214:Fourth lens

215:Fifth lens

216:Sixth Lens

220:Image sensor

302:Curve

304:Curve

306:Curve

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an optical device.

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the optical device of Figure 1 as seen through a first outer layer of the optical device.

Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the optical device of Figure 1 as seen through a second outer layer of the optical device.

4-6 are schematic cross-sectional views of some embodiments of an optical device having a liquid interface in first, second and third positions respectively.

7-8 are schematic cross-sectional views of some embodiments of an optical device having a liquid interface in a second position and a third position, respectively.

Figures 9-10 are schematic top views of some embodiments of optical devices in closed and open configurations, respectively.

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an optical device including a filter disposed in an optical path of the optical device.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of an imaging device including an optical device.

Figure 13 is a graph showing the measured contact angles of a plurality of samples.

Figure 14 is a confocal fluorescence image of some embodiments of an optical device having a first liquid with a first additive doped therein and a second liquid with a second additive doped therein.

Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date and number) without

Overseas storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number) without

104: cavity

106:First Liquid

108:Second liquid

114:First window

116:Second window

118:First outer layer

120:Middle layer

122:Second outer layer

146: First path length

148: Second path length

Claims (21)

An optical device includes: a first window, a second window and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window; a first liquid and a second liquid, the first liquid and the The second liquid is disposed in the cavity; a liquid interface, the liquid interface is between the first liquid and the second liquid; a common electrode, the common electrode is in electrical communication with the first liquid; and a driving electrode, The driving electrode is disposed on a side wall of the cavity and is insulated from the first liquid and the second liquid; wherein the first liquid attenuates electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength band; wherein the second liquid causes Electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band is attenuated; wherein when the image radiation passes through the optical device in a direction from an object side of the optical device toward an image side of the optical device When, adjusting a voltage difference between the common electrode and the driving electrode will cause the liquid interface to move between (a) a first position and (b) a second position. In the first position, the optical The device blocks each of a first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and a second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, or passing each of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band and the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band, while in the second The optical device is in a position to block one of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band and allow the other of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band passes; and wherein the common electrode and the The voltage difference between the drive electrodes causes the liquid interface to move between (a) the first position, (b) the second position, and (c) a third position; in the third position, the optical device Passing one of the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band or the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band and blocking the first portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band The other of the first portion of the image radiation within a wavelength band or the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in the first position, the first liquid is disposed between the second liquid and the first window, and the second liquid is disposed between the first liquid and the first window. between the second window, whereby the image radiation passes through each of the first window, the first liquid, the second liquid and the second window. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the second In this position, the first liquid contacts the second window such that the image radiation passes through each of the first window, the first liquid, and the second window without passing through the second liquid. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in the second position, the second liquid contacts the first window, so that the image radiation passes through the first window, the second liquid and the second window each without passing through the first liquid. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in each of the first position and the second position, the second liquid is disposed between the first liquid and the second window, so that the figure Image radiation passes through each of the first window, the first liquid, the second liquid and the second window; a first path length for the first liquid to pass in the second position is greater than in the The first path length for the first liquid to pass in the first position; and a second path length for the second liquid to pass in the second position is less than the second path length for the second liquid to pass in the first position. the second path length. The optical device of claim 5, wherein: in the first position, the first liquid passes the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band; and in the second position , the first liquid barrier falls into the first wavelength The first portion of the image radiation within the band. The optical device of claim 5, wherein: in the first position, the second liquid blocks the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band; and in the second position , the second liquid passes the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in each of the first position and the second position, the first liquid is disposed between the second liquid and the first window, so that the figure Image radiation passes through each of the first window, the first liquid, the second liquid and the second window; a first path length for the first liquid to pass in the second position is smaller than in the second position. The first path length for the first liquid to pass in the first position; and a second path length for the second liquid to pass in the second position is greater than the second path length for the second liquid to pass in the first position. the second path length. The optical device of claim 8, wherein: in the first position, the first liquid blocks the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band; and in the second position, The first liquid passes the first portion of the image radiation falling within the first wavelength band. The optical device of claim 8, wherein: in the first position, the second liquid passes the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band; and in the second position , the second liquid blocks the second portion of the image radiation falling within the second wavelength band. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the first liquid includes a first additive that increases attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength band. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the second liquid includes a second additive that increases the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in the second wavelength band. The optical device of claim 1, wherein it is one of the following: (a) the first wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm, and the second wavelength band extends from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm; or (b) the first wavelength band extends from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm, and the second wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in each of the first position and the second position, when in the direction from the object side of the optical device toward the image side of the optical device When the image radiation passes through the optical device, the optical device causes the image radiation to fall into A third portion of the image radiation in a third wavelength band passes. The optical device of claim 14, wherein the third wavelength band extends from about 390 nm to about 700 nm. The optical device of claim 1, wherein it is one of the following: (a) the first wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm or from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm, and the second wavelength band extending from about 390 nm to about 700 nm; or (b) the first wavelength band extending from about 390 nm to about 700 nm, and the second wavelength band extending from about 10 nm to about 390 nm or from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm. The optical device as claimed in claim 16, comprising a filter disposed in an optical path of the optical device, wherein when the image is viewed from the object side of the optical device toward the image side of the optical device The image radiation passes through the optical device in a direction that is one of the following: (a) the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band extends from about 10 nm to about 390 nm, and the filter absorbs the a portion of the image radiation falling within a wavelength band extending from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm; or (b) the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band extending from about 700 nm to about 1000 nm, and the filter absorbs that image radiant fall into a portion of a wavelength band extending from about 10 nm to about 390 nm. An imaging device including the optical device according to claim 1. A selective optical shutter includes: a first window, a second window and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window; a first liquid and a second liquid, the first The liquid and the second liquid are disposed in the cavity; and a liquid interface is between the first liquid and the second liquid; wherein the liquid interface can be formed by (a) a first position and (b) regulating electrowetting between a second position in which an optical device passes visible light and blocks each of ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared (IR) light, and in which The optical device in the second position allows visible light and one of UV light or IR light to pass and blocks the other of UV light or IR light; and wherein the liquid interface is accessible by being in (a) the first position, (b) electrowetting between the second position and (C) a third position in which the optical device passes visible light and blocks each of UV light and IR light, In the second position the optical device passes visible light and one of UV light or IR light and blocks UV the other of light or IR light, and in the third position the optical device passes visible light and the other of UV light or IR light and blocks the one of UV light or IR light. A selective optical shutter includes: a first window, a second window and a cavity disposed between the first window and the second window; a filter, the filter is disposed on the optical shutter on a light path such that the filter blocks one of ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light and passes each of visible light and the other of UV light or IR light; a first a liquid and a second liquid, the first liquid and the second liquid being disposed in the cavity; and a liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid; wherein the liquid interface can be is conditioned by electrowetting to selectively pass the other of visible light or UV light or IR light; and wherein the liquid interface is tunable by electrowetting, the electrowetting being between: (a) a first position in which the optical shutter blocks each of visible light and the other of UV light or IR light, (b) a second position in which the optical shutter passes visible light and blocks UV the other of light or IR light, and (c) A third position in which the optical shutter blocks visible light and passes the other of UV light or IR light. The selective optical shutter of claim 20, wherein the filter is disposed on the first window or the second window, or the filter is integrated with the first window or with the second window.